State Agencies Modify Fuel Requirements through September 15 Following Hurricane Harvey

State Agencies Modify Fuel Requirements through September 15 Following Hurricane Harvey

LITTLE ROCK, AR – In response to Hurricane Harvey, a Category 4 storm, and anticipated shortages of summertime gasoline blends throughout the region, the Arkansas Agriculture Department and the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) have worked together to seek relief from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on fuel requirements for Low Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP).

On August 31, 2017, ADEQ formally requested that EPA exercise its authority under the federal Clean Air Act to temporarily waive fuel requirements for RVP fuel and allow the distribution of 11.5 RVP gasoline throughout Arkansas. The EPA has granted two waivers that address multiple states, including Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. The waivers are effective immediately and will continue through September 15, 2017.

“We appreciate the swift and collaborative action with both our state and federal partners to recognize and remove any unnecessary restrictions to fuel distribution systems in response to impacts caused by Hurricane Harvey. The waivers will work to minimize or prevent further disruption of an adequate supply of gasoline to consumers,” says Director of Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality Becky W. Keogh. "We are pleased that by working together with our federal and state partners we are able to reach a common sense solution that will help to ensure the availability of fuel in Arkansas without negatively affecting fuel quality for our motorists," says Arkansas Agriculture Secretary Wes Ward.

Gasoline blend waivers are enforced by state bureau of standards departments, though EPA grants these waivers through requests from state environmental agencies. The Arkansas Bureau of Standards, a division of the Arkansas Agriculture Department’s State Plant Board, is the entity responsible for assuring standards of quality in gasoline, diesel, bio-diesel, alcohol fuels, kerosene, and petroleum products in commercial transactions in Arkansas.

The Arkansas Agriculture Department is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture and forestry to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. Learn more at aad.arkansas.gov.

The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality is the state's main environmental protection agency, charged with effectively and efficiently protecting, enhancing, and restoring Arkansas’s environment by advancing air, water, land, and energy solutions.

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The Arkansas Agriculture Department offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.